Where to Watch Minnesota High School Football

High school football in Minnesota is a beloved tradition, drawing fans from across the state to cheer on their local teams. Whether you're a dedicated parent, an enthusiastic alumni, or just a sports fan, there are numerous ways to catch the games live or on-demand. This guide provides detailed information on how and where to watch Minnesota high school football in 2024, including streaming options, local television broadcasts, and in-person viewing.

1. Attending the Games in Person
Attending a game in person is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Minnesota high school football. Each Friday night, stadiums across the state come alive with roaring crowds, marching bands, and intense football action. Here's how you can be part of it:

• Local School Websites: Most high schools post their football schedules on their websites, allowing you to plan your attendance in advance. These schedules typically include home and away games, along with the venue details.
• Ticketing Information: Tickets can usually be purchased at the gate, but some schools offer online pre-sale options through platforms like GoFan, reducing the need for cash transactions at the event. Be sure to check with the specific school for details.
• Game Day Atmosphere: From tailgating to halftime shows, the atmosphere at these high school games is electric. Fans should arrive early to get good seats and enjoy pre-game festivities.

2. Local Television Broadcasts
Some of the top Minnesota high school football games are broadcast on local television, making it easy for fans who can't make it to the stadium to still enjoy the action.

• KARE 11: A popular channel for sports coverage, KARE 11 often airs top matchups, especially during playoff season. Their coverage includes pre-game analysis, in-game commentary, and post-game interviews with players and coaches.
• Prep Spotlight TV: A dedicated platform for high school sports, Prep Spotlight TV often broadcasts some of the biggest games throughout the state. This channel is available through many local cable providers and online for subscribers.

3. Streaming Services
For fans who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes or can't attend games in person, several streaming options are available:

• NFHS Network: The NFHS Network (National Federation of State High School Associations) is a primary source for streaming high school football games across the country, including Minnesota. They offer both live streams and on-demand replays. Subscriptions are affordable, and viewers can watch games from any location.
• YouTube Channels: Some schools and local broadcasters offer free live streams via YouTube. These streams might not have professional commentary but provide a straightforward way to watch games online.
• Local School Streams: Some high schools have embraced technology and now offer their own live streams on their websites or social media pages. These streams are often produced by students, adding a community-driven element to the viewing experience.

4. Radio Broadcasts
If you’re on the road or simply prefer the nostalgia of listening to a game on the radio, several Minnesota stations offer live broadcasts of high school football games:

• KFAN Sports Radio: A well-known station in Minnesota, KFAN often covers high school football games, providing play-by-play commentary and in-depth analysis.
• Local Stations: Many local radio stations, especially in smaller towns, broadcast their home team’s games. These broadcasts are particularly valuable for fans who want to keep up with local teams when they can’t attend the games in person or stream them.

5. Social Media Updates and Highlights
For those who don’t have time to watch an entire game or just want to stay updated with scores and highlights, social media is an excellent resource. Many schools, sports networks, and fan pages post real-time updates during games:

• Twitter: Twitter is a popular platform for live game updates. Follow school accounts, local sports reporters, and high school football fan pages for quarter-by-quarter updates and key highlights.
• Instagram: Many teams and local media outlets post game highlights, player interviews, and other behind-the-scenes content on Instagram. It's a great way to catch the best moments even if you can't watch the entire game.
• Facebook Live: Some schools use Facebook Live to broadcast games, especially for important matchups or playoff games.

6. Playoff and Championship Games
As the season progresses and teams enter the playoffs, there are even more opportunities to catch high school football action:

• Prep Bowl: The Prep Bowl is the Minnesota State High School League's championship event, held annually at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. The event is a massive celebration of high school football, with multiple championship games across different divisions. Fans can attend in person or watch the games live on television or via streaming platforms like the NFHS Network.
• State Tournament: Leading up to the Prep Bowl, the state tournament games are highly anticipated events, broadcast on various local TV channels and streaming platforms.

7. Special Events and Rivalry Games
Minnesota high school football is known for its intense rivalries and special events, which often draw larger crowds and get special media coverage:

• Homecoming Games: Every fall, schools host homecoming games, which are some of the biggest events of the year. These games often feature special halftime performances and larger crowds, making them particularly exciting to attend or watch online.
• Rivalry Games: Some of the most storied high school football rivalries in Minnesota, like the Edina vs. Eden Prairie game, attract significant attention. These matchups are often featured on local TV or available for streaming.

8. Post-Game Coverage and Analysis
For die-hard fans who want to relive the game or catch up on missed action, post-game coverage is a valuable resource. Many local sports networks and platforms offer analysis, highlights, and interviews after the games:

• KARE 11 Sports Extra: A post-game show that dives into the biggest moments of the night, featuring game highlights, player interviews, and expert analysis.
• YouTube Highlights: Many high schools and sports media outlets post game highlights on YouTube, allowing fans to catch up on the best plays from the game.

Conclusion
With the variety of options available, from attending games in person to streaming them online, Minnesota high school football fans have plenty of ways to follow their favorite teams. Whether you’re a local supporter or watching from afar, there are numerous ways to stay connected to the action throughout the season. So grab your tickets, tune in to a broadcast, or fire up a stream, and get ready for some thrilling Minnesota high school football action in 2024.